Cattleya aclandiae

[FinnBar]

Hi Steve!

i still haven't bought one... yet.
i've been working on my (ex-fish)tank and i've actually set it up standing vertically now. i'm working with a pretty small budget and so far i'm only set up with lighting that satisfies my Aerangis' needs. the good thing is that there's some great compact fluorescents available here, good for narrow yet high setups like mine. as soon as i've added a few tubes i'm going to give it a shot as it never left my wishlist.. Thanks for the info!

Antti

[IdahoOrchid]

Originally Posted by smartie2000

I agree with Tindo on that one. If it needs seasonal changes then you'll have to stay away from keeping it in a vivarium

Oh, don't be so limiting. What if the whole viv was set up to do that?

[smweaver]

Good point, and an interesting idea. There is no reason that I can think of why a vivarium couldn't be set up to mimic the wet and dry seasons in Brazil. Antii, you could probably grow quite a few of the small-growing Cattleyas that share aclandiae's taste for dryish winters. Walkeriana and nobilior in particular would likely do well in that kind of arrangement--provided that you could give them lots of artificial light. I bet a vivarium with numerous walkerianas, nobiliors, aclandiaes and maybe a schilleriana (which I think might like it a little more moist during its "dry season") would be stunning. Hmmm... Maybe I need to look at that old aquarium of mine in a different light.

[Tindomul]

I agree, if the terrarium/vivarium is set up for seasonal changes, which can be done, then thats great. You can grow a whole new set of other plants.

[IdahoOrchid]

I just found out that my 'flask' of these will be ready for delivery soon!!!

[smweaver]

Excellent! I'd be interested to hear from you in the future if you wind up with too many seedlings and want to sell a few of them to free up some space. Aclandiae's such a nicely compact species that it's hard to resist adding more to my collection.

[FinnBar]

looks like Santa will greet me with a new Dulux 80W CFL this year.
the light output 3 feet away is still 5000lux with that baby
i'm not planning a setup just for "Brazilieneros" but i see no reason why i couldn't have the top of the tank reserved for dry(ish) resting. i still hand mist.

Steve, you actually read my mind... i was thinking what other small growing species would be suitable candidates..

i'll try posting some photos of my setup/plans after christmas.
maybe someone else will get inspired.

cheers,
Antti

[IdahoOrchid]

Originally Posted by smweaver

Excellent! I'd be interested to hear from you in the future if you wind up with too many seedlings and want to sell a few of them to free up some space. Aclandiae's such a nicely compact species that it's hard to resist adding more to my collection.

Send me a PM. I think by spring some should be ready!